Good thing Holly Hillary has a heart for kids.The principal of Vanderbilt Charter Academy spent her birthday earlier this month at school helping to erect a new playground.“Happy birthday to me,” Hillary said, smiling, during a dedication ceremony on Tuesday. “I’m thrilled. This couldn’t be a better birthday present.”The new neon-colored playground, which includes an 8-foot slide, chain-link ladders, swings and a tilted skyrunner, was built by local playground supplier Sinclair Recreation.Volunteers from Kenowa Industries, along with parents, staff and community members helped install the equipment.National Heritage Academies, boosters and the school board helped cover the $30,000 price tag for the playground.The school’s old playground was 16 years old and the equipment was lackluster so it was time for an upgrade, Hillary said.On Tuesday, students and their families were invited out to a dedication ceremony to check out the new play equipment and meet animals from Zeeland’s Critter Barn.“We really work hard here. They deserved something nice,” Hillary said. “Work hard, play hard.”— Follow this reporter on Twitter @SentinelLisa.